Program Overview
The PDP serves as a comprehensive in-house legal education program and uses a structured approach, integrating practical professional training and mentoring. Participation in our Professional Development Program begins when a student or lawyer joins the firm and continues throughout their career at EKB. The PDP focuses on providing knowledge and developing abilities, complementing those achieved through law school, the Professional Legal Training Course, and Continuing Legal Education.
We recognize that clients deserve and expect superior service from our lawyers and that training and mentoring are crucial to the development of every lawyer. The PDP integrates the principles behind these two ideas into one program and is designed to help EKB’s students and lawyers stay informed about emerging legal issues and developments. As well, the PDP promotes involvement in the legal community and the community at large, ensuring that client service continues to meet or exceed expectations.
Training Curriculum
EKB is committed to the ongoing professional development of the firm’s students and lawyers. As part of the PDP, we’ve established a skills training strategy tailored to meet their needs.
Courses are taught by EKB lawyers and professional educators who are leaders in their areas of expertise. Training is focused in three major areas:
Legal Skills
The PDP supplements the Continuing Legal Education curriculum with basic skills courses, such as legal research and writing and trial preparation. We hold regular lunch and learn sessions covering current or emerging legal topics and issues.
Management Skills
The PDP offers training to enhance our lawyers’ management of daily interactions with staff and other professionals working within or outside of the firm.
Client Skills
The PDP offers courses that focus on developing the skills and techniques required for effective client relations.
Mentoring Program
Mentoring is a key component of EKB’s Professional Development Program. Formal and informal mentoring enables mentor and mentee to exchange experiences and gain valuable feedback in a supportive environment.
Formal Mentoring
Based on regular feedback and evaluation, mentors and mentees work together to develop skills that will assist mentees in achieving professional excellence in their legal practice. Positive encouragement and academic challenges are also important aspects of the mentoring program.
A mentor’s primary responsibilities include:
- Monitoring the type and volume of work assigned to the mentee
- Monitoring the quality of the mentee’s work
- Discussing how the mentee can build his or her own practice
- Being open and available to discuss legal and practical issues
- Developing with the mentee a Professional Development Plan, outlining skill development throughout the mentee’s career at EKB
Informal Mentoring
EKB recognizes the importance of sharing ideas and initiating open dialogue about matters related to the legal profession. We encourage informal forms of mentoring, such as lunches, casual meetings, and hallway discussions.
Associate Mentors
In addition to having a partner of the firm act as a principal mentor, each summer student and articled student is also assigned an associate mentor. The associate mentor provides each student with an additional point of contact and is available to answer questions and help guide the student’s training.
Program Dinners
Traditionally held twice a year, our PDP dinners provide lawyers and students with an opportunity to discuss current and emerging legal issues as well as issues outside of the legal profession. These events include presentations made by special guest speakers.
